Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed June 25 2021
This show was conceived and directed by Trevor Ashley, who founded the Sydney International Cabaret Festival in July 2019. Each singer is a consummate artist in her own right with her own distinct style, both of singing and performing. Together, Tania Doko, Emma Pask and Prinnie Stevens make a formidable ensemble.
Doko, while living in Sweden, recently worked with Tina Arena on her new album due for a 2021 release. One can see and hear the affinity the two artists have when Doko sings Chains. Given the show is rated for 12 years and above, I felt some of Doko’s gyrations were inappropriate. Pask comes from a jazz background, having toured the world as a vocalist with jazz icon, James Morrison. Stevens really made her mark when singing the blues and soul music, especially in the tribute to Aretha Franklin.
I was disappointed I was unable to find the names of the band or the musical director of the show. Some members were introduced to the audience but generally not clearly enough for me to hear. It was also a shame that the musicians could not be seen very well. They could certainly be heard, particularly the brass section which was somewhat too loud.
While the singing was excellent, it seemed as if all three women had problems with either the radio mikes or their costumes – or at times both. I could not see the point of a costume change for the encore, particularly as it took so long for all three women to reappear. I realise they are all individual artists and not a ‘group’, nonetheless the variety of styles and colours of costumes resulted in issues with the lighting at times.
All in all, a good show that could have been great.
Reviewed by Jan Kershaw
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
Season: June 26 2pm and 8pm
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Tickets: $69 $59 Conc $54
Bookings: https://secure.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/ticketing/WEBPAGES/Event/seats.aspx
Rating out of 5: 4